Tackling climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time and zero-emission transport is expected to play an important part in the transition to a greener, decarbonised world. In Chile we have helped to realise the potential of hydrogen mobility and integrated clean energy systems through the development of the first hydrogen-powered bus in the country.
The initiative, founded on public-private sector collaboration, reflects Chile’s focus on developing a national green hydrogen strategy in support of energy innovation and sustainable mobility, while highlighting new alternatives for the use of zero-emission fuels, and promoting manufacturing activities associated with the hydrogen value chain, and industrial sector startups.
President of Chile attends unveiling ceremony
To develop the first hydrogen-powered bus made in Chile, Anglo American worked alongside Colbún, Reborn Electric Motors, and Corfu, as well as collaborating with various government organisations in Chile. On 11 December 2024, at a ceremony held at the Reborn Electric Motors factory, located in Rancagua, Chile, the hydrogen bus was unveiled. The event was attended by the President of Chile, Gabriel Boric, as well as other government authorities and representatives of the institutions involved in the development of the bus.
Commenting on the successful development of the hydrogen bus, Patricio Hidalgo, CEO of Anglo American in Chile, said: “I am very proud to be part, as Anglo American, of this emblematic milestone that is happening today. We are launching the first hydrogen bus built in Chile, thanks to public-private collaboration. This launch is testament to the optimism that we must have as Chileans and show the world what we are capable of.”
In attendance at the ceremony, President Boric, said: “This first hydrogen bus is an example of concrete results of what is being generated from the National Strategy for Sustainable Productive Development for Chile. We have an unprecedented window of opportunity in the energy transformation, not only for Chile but for the world. Here, as in many areas, there is a virtuous synergy. Public-private collaboration allows us to take better advantage of Chile's great potential. Our country can grow more than the forecasts estimate and can develop in an inclusive and sustainable way under the wing of the energy transformation that the world needs. We are strategic allies on this path.”
The future of clean transportation
The fuel cell, integrated into the vehicle design, is configured to operate efficiently and safely, providing the energy necessary for operation with zero-emission impact. The vehicle will not only operate on public roads, once permits have been obtained, but will also be used for educational activities in Chilean schools and universities, promoting technology transfer and laying the foundations for the scalability of this type of development.
The vehicle, designed, developed and manufactured entirely in Chile, is the first of its kind for the country. It has capacity for 30 passengers, a range of 600 kilometres (H2 and battery) and reaches a maximum speed of 90km/h. Its versatile design makes it suitable for operating in various environments, whether urban, industrial or rural.
A critical component of the vehicle is its hydrogen fuel cell, which acts as the "heart" of the system, converting the chemical energy stored in the hydrogen into electricity. This electricity is used to power the electric motors, eliminating the need for an internal combustion engine and reducing the vehicle's fuel consumption.